Calculate Generator Size For Your Power Needs
As a “do it yourself” landlord, I want to save money on electricity. Every time a property becomes vacant I need the power to clean the unit and run my power tools. Instead of paying a hefty deposit, connection fee, and usage to the power company, I opted to buy my own generator. So, I looked for the best portable generators for construction projects that would meet all my needs. This is what I learned.
RUNNING POWER TOOLS WITH INSUFFICIENT WATTAGE CAN DAMAGE EXPENSIVE TOOLS
So, choosing an electric generator with sufficient power is critical. There are two wattage types to consider before buying a generator.
- Running Watts
- Surge Watts
Running watts is the amount of power it takes to run your equipment efficiently at a constant speed. And, surge watts is the amount of power needed to start equipment initially.
CALCULATE GENERATOR SIZE
Use the wattage calculator below to find out what size generator you need. Start by selecting every tool you want to run simultaneously. Then, note the surge wattage on each tool. At the end of the calculator, you will be asked to enter the single highest surge wattage from your list.
Now that you know your total surge and running watts needed, Here are a few portable generators that may fit your needs.
Best Portable Generators For Construction
When looking through the generators below, keep in mind that surge watts may also be called starting watts or peak watts. Likewise, running watts may be called Rated watts.
Some of the features to look for would be the number of outlets available, electric start or pull start, and how noisy they are.
If you are powering 1 or 2 items you will have no problem finding enough outlets on the generator. If you are powering several items simultaneously, you may need to invest in a heavy duty extension cord. You can find several of them here.
Having an electric start is a nice feature and is commonly available in larger generators, but not so much on the smaller ones.
If you think noise may be a problem, you might want to take a look at inverter generators. Inverter generators run much quieter than non-inverter types and are commonly used for RV camping so as to not disturb other campers. Although inverter generators are quieter, they are are a bit more expensive. But if you need a quiet generator, you can find several here.
Honda has the best reputation for quality inverter type generators. You can find a selection of Honda inverter generators here.
BEST PORTABLE GENERATORS OVER 12,000 WATTS
DUROMAX XP12000EH DUAL FUEL PORTABLE GENERATOR
This generator is loaded with features, and has enough surge and running watts to handle large projects. Here are some of the features this machine has to offer;
- Runs on either propane or Gas.
- 10 hour operating time at 50% maximum output on gasoline
- 20 hour operating time at 50% maximum output on propane.
- The panel includes several outlet types, oil warning light, voltmeter, and circuit breaker.
- Low oil shut off protects engine.
- A quiet muffler and heavy duty frame with four point isolating motor mounts reduce engine noise.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
| Product Dimensions | 28 x 30 x 40 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 269 pounds |
| Shipping Weight | 275 pounds |
| Manufacturer | DuroMax |
| ASIN | B01M0N8256 |
| Domestic Shipping | This item is available for shipping in the U.S. except for California and to select countries outside the U.S. |
| International Shipping | This item is not eligible for international shipping. |
| Item model number | XP12000EH |
| Batteries | 1 Nonstandard Battery batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars 167 customer
|
|---|
The DuroMax XP12000EH dual fuel portable generator is everything you need whether running power tools or for emergency use. You will easily be able to weather any power outages that may be caused by storms. Although this generator does not have an electric start, you do have the option of running either gas or propane. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline and can run up to 20 hours on medium loads.
Additionally, the beast has plenty of options on the panel which include both 110 and 220-volt outlets. Each outlet has it’s own breaker to prevent overloading and maintain maximum safety during operation. The fully loaded panel is powered by a 457cc DuroMax OHV workhorse which can run up to 12000 watts maximum output (surge watts).
The DuroMax XP12000EH has a 4.1 out of 5-star rating from over 160 independent and verified customer reviews. If you need a dual power generator, I think this generator is a solid contender. One downside to this generator is that it does not have an electric start, but it would not be a deal killer if I needed a dual fuel generator.
>> DuroMax XP12000EH Check Price
CAT RP12000E 12000 RUNNING WATTS/15000 STARTING WATTS GAS POWERED PORTABLE GENERATOR 502-3699
- 12, 000 watts running/ 15, 000 watts starting
- Fuel efficient 670cc v-twin OHV engine with idle mode option with pressurized oil system
- 11.2 hours of runtime on one tank at 50% load
- Low harmonic distortion generator (thd< 5%) with AVR
- 9 total outlets, including 20A, 30A, and 50A Receptacles
- All copper generator produces clean power (total harmonic distortion (<5%)
- Balanced design for easy mobility
- Removable lifting eye and ergonomic design for easy maneuverability
- EPA Compliant
| Product Dimensions | 35.7 x 32.7 x 35.8 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 348 pounds |
| Shipping Weight | 396 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Cat |
| ASIN | B071JF4J7X |
| Domestic Shipping | This item is available for shipping in the U.S. except for California and to select countries outside the U.S. |
| International Shipping | This item is not eligible for international shipping. |
| Item model number | 502-3699 |
| Batteries | 1 Nonstandard Battery batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Reviews |
4.0 out of 5 stars |
From the heavy equipment leader Caterpillar comes the CAT RP12000E. This heavy-duty generator is built with a 670cc V-Twin OHV engine, which can handle up to 12000 running watts and up to 15000 surge watts. Easily power your tools or appliances without a problem.
The CAT RP12000E also has a fuel-efficient low idle mode which your fuel consumption down and minimizes wear and tear on your engine. Additionally, you will enjoy up to 11 hours of non-stop run time without having to refuel.
Also, this workhorse of a generator comes with 9 outlets which include 20 amp, 30 amp, and 50 amp receptacles to supply any kind of appliance or tool. Another nice feature of this CAT generator is its electric start. No more wearing yourself out with a pull rope start.
All in all, for the higher wattage category, The CAT RP12000E portable generator is my personal favorite. Although it is priced higher, I think it offers all the features I look for in a quality portable generator. If price is no object, I think this would make an excellent choice.
>> CAT RP12000E Check Price
In conclusion, whether you are a do it yourself landlord, carpenter or just needing a good back up generator, I hope you found our wattage calculator useful. I would love to hear from you if you have any questions about generators or anything landlord related. Drop us a comment below.
Steven Williams
Steven Williams is a passionate landlord and the editor-in-chief of Landlord Fixes. With his extensive experience, he finds joy in assisting fellow landlords by generously sharing his knowledge and expertise.
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